Stirling Bull Sales 2012: Limousin bull money makers

It was “a good day at the office” for the Limousin breed according to Iain Kerr, chief executive for the breed’s society.

Having seen averages up £700 at the event, coupled with a £400 increase at last week’s Carlisle sale, the breed is well on track to hit £8 million of pedigree sales this year.

“We have sold 170 bulls over the two fixtures and grossed just shy of a million,” said Mr Kerr.

A top price of 14,000gns was a centre record for the breed and the day’s trading could well have been the best the breed has ever seen at the October fixture. The fact the sale took place in the evening, and on the same day as the show, could well have helped keep trade flying and attract buyers to the ring.

“We all know it’s been a tough year weather wise but the fact the breed has taken a step forward is indicative of the confidence in the Limousin breed. What drives the breed is the profitability it offers to the commercial breeder.”

Overall the Stirling fixture sold 60 bulls to average £5,048, compared to £4,350 for 54 bulls last year.

Hitting the high of 14,000gns was Burnbank Gigolo (Lot 346 – pic above), a Rainbow Simon son out of Burnbank Undone. Put forward by Messrs D and L Graham, Mains of Burnbank Farm, Stirling. He heads to Lochlyoch Farm, Biggar, Lancarshire.

Then at 11,500gns was an entry from Mr M J Massie, Mains of Elrick, Ellon. Their Elrick Goliath (Lot 384) is a Procters Commander son and sold to Cawfields Farm, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

At 11,000gns was (Lot 361 -above)Spittalton General, the overall champion in the pre-sale show. He is a Wilodge Vantastic son out of Spittalton Apple and was put forward by Mr J Burnett, Upper Spittalton, Stirling.nHe went to T/A Buteland Farm, Balerno, Edinburgh.

Next at 10,500gns was an entry from Messr W McLarens, Muirhouses, Kirriemuir. Mclarens Black Glenogil (Lot 335 – below)is by Hudscales Darren and out of Mclarens Duty and finds a new home with Wood and Hunter, Dalchirla Farm, Muthill, Crieff.